How to Spot Tree Disease Early: Tips from a Certified Arborist

How to Spot Tree Disease Early: Tips from a Certified Arborist

Healthy trees are one of your property’s most valuable assets. But even the strongest trees can fall victim to disease, especially in the warm, humid climate of the South Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry. The key to saving a tree—and avoiding costly tree removal—is catching problems early.

At Kolcun Tree Care, our team of ISA-certified arborists has over 20 years of experience diagnosing and treating tree disease in Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Savannah, and surrounding areas. We believe that educated property owners make better decisions, so we’re sharing our expert insight on how to identify tree disease before it becomes a serious threat.

Why Early Detection Matters

Tree diseases often start subtly. By the time obvious symptoms appear—like dying branches or heavy bark loss—the damage may already be severe. When left untreated, tree disease can lead to:

• Declining tree health and structure
• Increased pest infestations
• Hazardous limbs or full tree failure
• The need for emergency tree removal

Catching these issues early allows for timely treatment and may save a tree that would otherwise need to be removed.

Common Tree Diseases in the Lowcountry

The Lowcountry’s coastal climate creates ideal conditions for a variety of tree diseases. Here are a few we see most often:

1. Root Rot

Caused by overwatering or poor drainage, root rot affects the tree’s ability to absorb nutrients.

• Yellowing or wilting leaves
• Mushy roots or fungus at the base
• Slow, stunted growth

2. Anthracnose

This fungal disease is common in oaks, sycamores, and maples.

• Leaf spots or blotches
• Early leaf drop
• Twig dieback

3. Powdery Mildew

A common sight in humid conditions, especially on dogwoods and crepe myrtles.

• White, powdery coating on leaves
• Distorted or stunted foliage
• Premature leaf drop

4. Cankers

Cankers are sunken or discolored areas on branches or trunks, often caused by bacteria or fungi entering through wounds.

• Discolored bark
• Oozing sap or resin
• Dead branches above the canker site

Early Warning Signs: What to Look For

You don’t need to be a certified arborist to notice when something’s wrong. These early warning signs can help you spot trouble before it becomes severe:

1. Discolored or spotty leaves

Look for yellowing, browning, or dark spots—especially if they appear early in the season or are localized on specific branches.

2. Unusual leaf drop

Trees dropping leaves before fall—or shedding excessively—may be under stress from disease or root issues.

3. Fungal growth and trunk inspection

Mushrooms or fungal conks growing at the base or along the trunk often signal internal decay or rot.

4. Cracks or cankers in the bark

Cracking, splitting, or oozing sap may indicate internal stress or infection.

5. Dead or dying branches

Sudden dieback in the upper canopy or tips of branches often points to systemic disease or root damage.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a professional evaluation.

The Role of Tree Fertilization in Disease Prevention

A healthy tree is naturally better at resisting disease. That’s why tree fertilization is a key part of proactive tree health care. At Kolcun Tree Care, we offer customized fertilization services to:

• Improve soil quality and nutrient balance
• Strengthen root systems and boost immunity
• Support recovery after trimming, storm damage, or disease treatment

Whether on a residential property or a commercial site, routine fertilization keeps your trees resilient and better prepared to fight off pests and pathogens.

How Certified Arborists Diagnose Tree Disease

At Kolcun Tree Care, our ISA-certified arborists don’t rely on guesswork. We use proven diagnostic methods to assess tree health, such as:

• Visual inspections of canopy, bark, and root zone
• Soil testing
• Core sampling or lab testing
• Environmental stress analysis

Based on what we find, we create a care plan that may include pruning, treatment, stump grinding, or, if needed, tree removal.

Year-Round Tree Health Tips

Preventing disease starts with good maintenance habits. Here are some tips you can follow year-round:

• Schedule seasonal pruning to remove dead or crowded limbs and improve airflow
  
• Mulch properly to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature—without piling mulch against the trunk
  
• Water deeply during dry spells, especially for younger trees
• Avoid mechanical damage from lawn equipment that can open the door to infection
  
• Fertilize in spring or fall to boost nutrient levels and promote recovery

Why Choose Kolcun Tree Care?

Kolcun Tree Care is a trusted, family-owned provider of professional tree services in the Lowcountry. Led by husband-and-wife team Michael and Rebecca Kolcun, we bring over two decades of experience, a commitment to safety, and a deep passion for preserving the region’s natural beauty.

We provide:

• Certified arborist services
• Preventive and corrective pruning
• Safe tree removal and emergency tree removal
• Tree fertilization and soil care
• Stump grinding and cleanup

We treat every tree—and every client—with the care and respect they deserve.

Schedule a Tree Health Checkup Today

If you suspect your tree may be diseased—or if you simply want peace of mind—don’t wait. Early action can mean the difference between saving a tree or losing it.

Submit an inquiry through our website or call us at 843-757-8050 to schedule a consultation with a certified arborist.

Let’s keep your trees strong, safe, and beautiful—together.